Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin are receiving a prestigious award together, as they should.
The longtime Monumental Sports Network broadcasters were named 2026 Silver Circle honorees by the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on Thursday. The honor recognizes television professionals who have spent at least 25 years in the industry while making significant contributions to broadcasting and their communities.
Beninati and Laughlin were two of 10 Silver Circle nominees announced, including longtime NBC 4 anchor Jim Handly. For his half-century of work, Pat O’Donnell was also named a Gold Circle honoree.
“I am delighted to inscribe these names into the history books as the newest members of our EMMY Chapter’s ‘Hall-of-Fame,’” Adam Longo, the NCCB-NATAS president, said in a statement. “It’s so exciting to recognize a group of hard-working professionals who represent such a diverse mix of TV roles in various locations throughout our regional NATAS chapter.”
With the induction of the 2026 honorees, the Silver Circle will now include 298 people and the Gold Circle will have 31.
“Those we honor will join the ranks of other past inductees including Sam Donaldson, Gordon Peterson, Judy Woodruff, Ted Koppel, Bob Schieffer, Maureen Bunyan, and Jim Vance,” Longo said.
Beninati and Laughlin have called Washington Capitals games together for nearly three decades, becoming one of the longest-tenured broadcast pairings in professional sports.
“Locker and I were thrilled when we heard the news that we had been chosen for induction into the Silver Circle by the NATAS National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter,” Beninati said in an acceptance video published by Monumental Network. “Being welcomed into this honor society is a tremendous recognition for all the telecasts that we’ve done together. Proud to say that we are fast approaching our 30th year in the booth together. Thanks to all at NATAS for making this possible. Special thanks to the Washington Capitals organization, to everyone at Monumental Sports Network, and to you, the fans, for letting us into your living rooms all these years. I am honored, I am humbled, and I am very much looking forward to being back in the rinks with you very soon.”
“It’s a great honor to be included in this year’s Silver Circle, and even more special that Joe B. is also going to be alongside [me],” Laughlin added. “I’d like to thank the Washington Capitals organization, the Washington Capitals teams that they’ve put together over the years in my tenure, the men and women behind the scenes that make Joe B. and I look great night after night, and, of course, all the fans out there that have supported us over the years.”
The two first teamed up on a full-time basis during the 1996-97 season and have since called more than 2,000 regular-season and playoff games together. Their time in the booth has included many of the biggest moments in franchise history, from the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup championship to Alex Ovechkin becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer.
The honor comes as Beninati and Laughlin prepare to celebrate their 30th season together during the 2026-27 campaign. Monumental Sports Network and the Capitals plan to recognize the milestone throughout the season.
“Joe and Craig have been synonymous with Capitals hockey for generations of fans across the Washington region,” Zach Leonsis, Monumental Sports & Entertainment president of media and new enterprises, said in a press release. “Their preparation, passion, authenticity and unmistakable chemistry have made every broadcast feel like you’re watching the game alongside trusted friends.”
Both broadcasters also won individual Capital Emmy Awards earlier this year. Beninati was recognized for Sports Play-by-Play, while Laughlin received the award for Sports Analyst.
Beninati has served as the Capitals’ television play-by-play announcer since 1994. Laughlin, a former Capitals forward, joined him in the booth in 1996 after an 11-year professional playing career.
The pair will formally enter the Silver Circle during an October 10 ceremony in Frederick, Maryland. They will join fellow Monumental broadcaster Al Koken, who was inducted in 2023.
Gold Circle
Pat O’Donnell – SAG-AFTRA, Washington-Mid Atlantic Local, Executive Director
Silver Circle
Joe Beninati – Monumental Sports Network, NHL Play-by-Play Announcer
Martin A Carr – WETA, Audio Engineer
Wayne Covil – WTVR, Sr. Reporter/MMJ
Mac Finney – WBAL-TV, Photojournalist
Kym Grinnage – WWBT, Regional VP and General Manager
Steve Hammond – WBOC, Broadcast Journalist
Jim Handly – WRC, Anchor
Craig Laughlin – Monumental Sports Network, NHL Color Analyst
Blaine Stewart – WTKR, Anchor
Noreen Turyn – WSET, News Anchor and Chief Managing Editor